CDF Freedom Schools® Program's Integrated Reading Curriculum
Underscores the Importance of Teaching African American History
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January 21, 2023: CDF's Rev. Dr. Starsky Wilson speaks to
MSNBC's Yamiche Alcindor on Florida Governor Ron DeSantis' recent
decision to reject AP African American History course
John,
This Black History Month, Children's Defense Fund honors and
commemorates the trailblazers before us by protecting and teaching
their stories. We believe a learning environment where students see
themselves in lessons is critical in the development of children and
youth. CDF President and CEO Rev. Dr. Starsky Wilson echoes it best in
the above MSNBC news clip: "What we know is that students who have
culturally relevant pedagogies-that have access to accurate
history-have a better understanding of society and, frankly, are
better citizens to be engaged in the franchise of
democracy."
I didn't understand until recently why my parents taught me
African American History as if they were drill sergeants. Like
learning times tables, it was all about repetition, repetition,
repetition. While driving home from school, my mom would look at me
through the rear-view mirror and ask a simple question, such as,
"Who was Sojourner Truth?" She'd repeatedly ask the
same question on different days until she knew I could hold my head up
with pride and answer.
Last month, the actions of Florida's Gov. Ron DeSantis affirmed
that what my parents did was crucial in protecting my history. With
Gov. DeSantis' recent Stop W.O.K.E. Act, set to ban AP African
American History in Florida's schools, he has opened the door
for attacks on democracy and the education of America's children
and youth.
To defend against these attacks, this Black History Month, CDF
celebrates our CDF Freedom Schools® program and its Intergraded
Reading Curriculum (IRC).
The CDF Freedom Schools program provides K-12 scholars with rich,
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culturally relevant teaching and high-quality books that deepen
scholars' understanding of themselves and all they have in
common with others in a multiracial, multicultural democratic society.
The CDF Freedom Schools program executes this vision by providing five
essential components as part of its summer programming:
* High quality academic enrichment
* Parent and family development
* Civic engagement and social action
* Intergenerational servant leadership development
* Nutrition, health, and mental health
Our Ella Baker Trainers (EBTs) have witnessed first-hand in the
classroom how the CDF Freedom Schools program and the IRC work. Click
here to learn what the IRC has meant to our EBTs and their
scholars.
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"Lift as You Climb: The Story of Ella Baker" by Patricia
Hruby Powell Featured in the 2023 CDF Freedom Schools® IRC Photo
by Leah Lowe
While I am beyond grateful for the lessons my parents taught me, I
know that all children should have access to a representative
education in the classroom. That's why the CDF Freedom Schools
program will continue to ensure access to accurate and culturally
relevant history in schools and help to build a nation where
marginalized children flourish, leaders prioritize their well-being,
and communities wield the power to ensure they thrive.
For our children,
Abubakr Uqdah
Editorial Associate at CDF
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